Texas Graduate Center Quarterly

TEXAS

SUMMER

GRADUATE

CENTER Quarterly

cohort 1 graduates!

Ricardo Delgado San Benito CISD Marvelia Balboa San Benito CISD (not pictured)

Juan Barrera PSJA ISD

Julio Tobias Edinburg CISD

Karina Araiza PSJA ISD

Corazon Bautista Alejandro De La Garza Hidalgo ISD Lyford CISD

summer 2016

TEXAS

GRADUATE

CENTER

About Us: The Texas Graduate Center (TGC), a component of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation, was established to support programs in higher education to help guide new and emerging leaders in education. Our goal is to implement transformational change that will impact schools and communities. TGC offers distance learning graduate programs from outstanding universities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The TGC makes available the latest telepresence technology and virtual classrooms with direct connection to worldclass undergraduate and graduate programs from across the country. TGC also serves as a college and career readiness facilitator offering assistance in selecting, preparing and enrolling in nationally recognized graduate programs.

Quarterly

President Dr. Roland Arriola Executive Director Dr. Mary Alice Reyes Associate Director/ EDITOR Adriana V. Lopez Designer/ PHOTOGRAPHER David Alvarado TGC OFFICES 1098 W. Expressway 83 Mercedes, Texas 78570

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In this issue 2016 University Tours High School students representing Rio Grande Valley school districts prepared to fly to Boston, St. Louis and New York City for the Texas Graduate Center’s (TGC) second year of their Student University Tour program. Three separate groups of students visited the following universities: Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, Washington University - St. Louis, Princeton University, Yale University and Columbia University.

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06 08 14 16 26 Harvard Summer Residency This summer, 21 teachers represented the Rio Grande Valley at Harvard University.

The teachers traveled to Cambridge, MA as part of their summer residency requirement for their Masters in Math for Teaching program.

2016 Harvard Commencement Three years ago the TGC began a partnership with Region One GEAR UP, Rio Grande Valley school districts and Harvard Extension School’s Math for Teaching graduate program, and this summer marked a milestone for the program.

WASH U Cohort 1 Summer Residency This summer officially kicked off the beginning of our most recent initiative, a Masters in Biology for Teachers in partnership with Washington University St. Louis.

Getting In About 100 GEAR UP students from across the Rio Grande Valley attended a workshop in Edinburg designed to help them with their college application essays.

Girls Engaged in Mathematics For a third consecutive summer, the Texas Graduate Center, in partnership with La Joya ISD held an all-girls math camp, GEM, to encourage girls in the area of STEM.

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Thank you to our Partners: Harvard University Extension School

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Texas Graduate Center in partnership with Harvard University Extension School

COHORT V

Now Forming Class of 2019

• 3 Year Master’s Program in partnership with Harvard University Extension School • Master of Mathematics for Teaching Degree • Cohort Learning Model • Online/ Blended Program • Summer Residency at Harvard University • Classes Begin January 2017 For more information please contact: Adriana Lopez alopez@tvcof.org HARVARD EXTENSION SCHOOL

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TGC is a public-private initiative of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation

Summer 2016

2016 Harvard Summer Residency

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Cohort 2 member and La Joya ISD teacher Queen Claire Martin stands in front of Widener Library at Harvard University.

his summer, 21 teachers represented the Rio Grande Valley at Harvard University.

The teachers traveled to Cambridge, MA as part of their summer residency requirement for their Masters in Mathematics for Teaching program. The three year program requires teachers to take classes every summer throughout their program. During the sevenweek residency, teachers take two courses at Harvard. It is an intense summer filled with three-hour lectures and late night study sessions, but teachers also make time to explore historic areas of Cambridge and Boston with trips to Boston Harbor and the surrounding areas.

This summer was Cohort II’s final residency. They will be completing their masters program this fall and will return to Harvard in May as part of the 2017 graduating class.

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2016 SUMMER RESIDENCY COURSES MATH S-AR PRECALCULUS SRDJAN DIVAC MATH S-21A MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS DR. OLIVER KNILL MATH S-304 INQUIRIES INTO PROBABILITY & STATISTICS DR. THOMAS JUDSON MATH S-308 MATHEMATICAL GAMES & THE MATHEMATICAL PROCESS DR. JAMEEL HABEEB AL-AIDROOS MATH S-599 TEACHING PROJECTS: MATH FOR TEACHING CAPSTONE DR. ANDREW ENGELWARD

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CLOCKWISE: Members of Cohort 2 working on a math problem for their Multivariable Calculus class; Cohort members attend a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway park; Cohort members dine at the prestigious Harvard Faculty Club; Members of Cohort 4 at Quincy Market in downtown Boston; Particia Vivanco (Cohort 3) at Adams House dorm; Members of Cohort 2 with Professor Oliver Knill.

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COHORT 1 GRADUATES

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hree years ago the Texas Graduate Center (TGC) began a partnership with Region One GEAR UP, Rio Grande Valley school districts and Harvard Extension School’s Math for Teaching graduate program, and this summer marked a milestone for the program. Seven Rio Grande Valley teachers, all part of the first cohort, completed the program and traveled to Cambridge, MA to participate in Harvard’s 2016 Commencement ceremonies.

The three-year program consisted of online evening classes at the TGC as well as a seven-week summer residency at Harvard. It was difficult leaving behind spouses, children, family and friends for seven weeks each summer, but the sacrifice paid off as the teachers walked into Harvard Yard to join the graduating class of 2016. TGC staff, district superintendents, Region One partners, family and friends were present to celebrate their accomplishment.

Leading the Extension School graduates was TGC’s very own Juan Barrera, PSJA ISD, who was named Class Marshal for his academic excellence throughout the program. The other graduates included Karina Ariazia, PSJA ISD; Marvelia Balboa, San Benito CISD; Corazon Bautista, Hidalgo ISD; Alejandro De la Garza, Lyford CISD; Ricardo Delgado, San Benito CISD; and Julio Tobias, Edinburg CISD.

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not pictured: Marvelia Balboa, San Benito CISD teacher

CLOCKWISE: Hidalgo ISD Superintendent Edward Blaha (left) and Lyford CISD Superintendent Eduardo Infante (right) attended Harvard Commencement in support of their teachers, Harvard graduation procession, Graduation ceremony takes place at Harvard Yard, Lyford CISD Superintendent Eduardo Infante (left) with Math for Teaching Program Director Dr. Andrew Engelward (center) and Dr. Mary Alice Reyes, Executive Director of the Texas Graduate Center. Harvard Graduates prepare to take an official class photo at Widener Library.

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TOP: Math for Teaching Program Director, Dr. Andrew Engelward; BOTTOM CLOCKWISE: Karina Araiza, PSJA ISD; Ricardo Delgado, San Benito CISD; Alejandro De La Garza, Lyford CISD; Juan Barrera, PSJA ISD; Corazon Bautista, Hidalgo ISD; Julio Tobias, Edinburg CISD.

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SPOTLIGHT:

JUAN BARRERA PSJA ISD HARVARD CLASS MARSHAL

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ow did you first hear about the Masters in Mathematics for Teaching program?

During the first semester of my first year teaching, my assistant principal approached me and asked if I was interested in earning a Master’s. I remember saying, “Yes! Of course!” She then followed with “Great! The deadline is today and it’s with Harvard University.”

I quickly followed and repeated, “Harvard? Thanks but no thanks.” Our conversation continued and she eventually convinced me to apply. I decided to continue with the application and just asked, “What do you have to lose?” A few weeks later I was interviewed by the Texas Graduate Center and representatives from Region One. The interview could not have gone better. Despite my lack of [teaching] experience, I was accepted into the program!

What challenges, if any, did you face while completing the program?

The biggest challenge I faced was time management.

As a teacher, my students come first. Finding the time to study and complete my homework for my own courses was challenging. My weekends were spent studying and completing assignments. I spent so much time away from my family and there were plenty of times when I’d ask myself, “Is this even worth it?” I was missing out on so much; fortunately, my family was very supportive. I could not have gotten through the last three years without them. I remember starting and sharing this journey with my students.

My students were as much a part of this journey as I was. They witnessed my hardships, stress, and excitement throughout the year. When I did well on an exam, they’d celebrate and cheered me on!

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couldn’t get into his own local university. As discouraged as I You were selected as Class Marshal, a prestigious felt, I knew that I wanted to go to college and that I had to start honor at graduation, tell us about the experience. somewhere. I began taking college courses at STC and began At commencement, I saw a couple of students holding a bushel earning A after A. My goal was to graduate from STC with some of wheat and something that looked like a wizard’s wand. I flashy “ropes” around my neck. What I didn’t do in high school, remember asking one of my friends what that was for and he mentioned that those students were Class Marshals. I had no idea I wanted to do now; and I did! I graduated from STC with a 4.0 and received several awards. The following semester I transferred what a Class Marshal was. A lady saw the ID on my lanyard and to UTPA and at the age of 23 I was finally able to take my first asked if I was Juan Barrera. With a confused face, I said yes. She course at the university. After taking a linear algebra course my then said, “We’ve been looking for you. You’re the Class Marshal first semester at UTPA, a professor of mine encouraged me to for your program.” I was confused and surprised. I had to ask embark to Rice University for why. Her response was, summer statistics program.

“You’re graduating with “To my students who read this: You can aWith her help, I was able to a 4.0 sir! That’s quite get into Rice and complete do so much more!

You’re way ahead of the accomplishment!” the statistics program. I I immediately took a where I was at your age. Imagine all came back home and was photo with the bushel of happy to finally graduate the great and wonderful things that wheat and my wizard’s from UTPA. I managed to wand and sent it to await you. Just go and get it!” maintain my 4.0 and received my family. I explained several awards. I remember what it meant and what I graduated on a Saturday afternoon, and began teaching Monday I was awarded and they were all very proud. Within minutes, I morning with PSJA. received text messages from so many family members and friends Since then I have been working towards my Master’s at Harvard congratulating me on the award. I cannot wait to share this with and can now say that I have done it! I got to graduate with flashy my students. regalia around my neck, a bushel of wheat, and a wizard’s wand.

To my students who read this: You can do so much more! You’re Now you’re officially a Harvard graduate! What way ahead of where I was when I was your age. Imagine all the message would you like your students to take away great and wonderful things that await you! Just go and get it! from your experience?

I graduated high school from PSJA Memorial. I was not at the top What are your plans now that you’ve graduated? of my class; I did not graduate in a white gown; I was not in the Now that I’ve graduated my plans are to continue to teach and top 10%; and I did not have some of the flashy ropes around my share this experience with my students and future students. I look neck. I just graduated high school. forward to inspiring and mentoring our students. I am proud to I remember applying to the University of Texas Pan – American say that four of my students will be attending Harvard this summer and being rejected because of low ACT and SAT scores. I to complete coursework, build relationships, and earn college remember feeling so disappointed in myself because I could not credit from Harvard University. My goal and plan is to create get into UTPA. My friends were all off to different parts of the a scholarship fund for high school students who wish to attend country furthering their education, and here I was: a kid who Harvard or any Ivy league’s high school summer program.

summer 2016

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Jessica Moore - PSJA ISD, Arnolfo Cruz - Weslaco ISD, Sara King - PSJA ISD, Homer Olivarez - La Joya ISD, Maria Ramirez - Weslaco ISD, Melonie De La Cruz - ECISD, Raul Zavala - Mercedes ISD, Yolanda Barrera - ECISD, Jose Valdez Edinburg CISD, Dr. Murad Odeh - STC Biology Dept. Chair, Joanna Arevalo - Edinburg CISD.

wash u cohort i S ummer res i d e n c y

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his summer officially kicked off the beginning of our most recent initiative, a Masters in Biology for Teachers in partnership with Washington University St. Louis (WUSTL). Cohort 1 consists of ten teachers representing five school districts from across the Rio Grande Valley. Districts include Edinburg CISD, La Joya ISD, Mercedes ISD, PSJA ISD, and Weslaco ISD. The two-year program is designed to fit the schedules of working teachers. It consists of two summer institutes, three weeks each, in residency at Washington University St. Louis. This summer, Cohort 1 took three courses during the summer institute: Ecology and Environmental Science, Biological Evaluation, and Neuroscience and Behavior. The summer institute is an intense and immersive three week experience where teachers learn from renowned professors in their field, “The three weeks at WUSTL were a great learning experience. The classes were top notch and I will utilize many lessons for immediate implementation,” said cohort member Arnulfo Cruz, Weslaco ISD. While in residence, teachers network with other teachers in the program from across the nation, “I worked with a lot of good people,” said Cruz. “People that want to better themselves and improve the learning environment for their students. I can’t wait for next summer.” Teachers take one class per week attending lectures in the morning followed by hands-on labs in the afternoon. Cohort 1 stayed on campus and networked with other teachers in the program from across the nation. The remaining coursework is completed online during the fall and spring semesters.

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Above left & right: Cohort 1 members at the Tyson Research Center Middle Right: Members of Cohort 1 register for campus housing Middle Left: Cohort 1 members at the Tyson Research Center Bottom left: Joanna Arevalo outside the Tyson Research Center Bottom right: Members of Cohort 1 attend a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game sponsored by WUSTL

summer 2016 Janine Robinson - Author, Writing Coach

GETTING IN

GEAR UP students learn how to write a strong college entrance essay.

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bout 100 GEAR UP students from across the Rio Grande Valley attended a workshop in Edinburg designed to help them with their college application essays. “It was actually very exciting,” student Ralia Cortina said. “I thought I was going to come and be like school and maybe learn and do something boring, but it was actually pretty exciting.”

The students were tasked with writing an essay to get into their college of choice. GEAR UP student Juliana Rodriguez said it was difficult to gather ideas for her essay, but writing coach Janine Robinson helped them out. “Janine actually helped us a lot, trying to get stories that help us and help show our experience in a meaningful way,” Rodriguez said. The students had to write an essay about a personal experience in their lives. Rodriguez wrote about a day that changed her life forever.

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“My father wasn’t feeling very well, so I had to drive him

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Left: Ralia Cortina reads her essay aloud to her peers Above, From Left to Right: Angela Delmar - Language Arts Coordinator at Region One, Janine Robinson - Author and creator of Essayhell.com, Ceci Hobbs Brownsville Veterans Early College High School, Dr. Mary A. Reyes - Executive Director of the Texas Graduate Center Below: Students worked in groups throughout conference to facilitate feedback and collaboration

to the hospital when I was, like, 12,” she said. “I told my experience through that, and it was very scary to, like, write it down, to just, like, oh my gosh, how can I show them that’s how I was feeling that rush, that, like, my father was unconscious and I had to drive him.”

Ralia Cortina said she wrote a very personal essay about someone who meant so much to her.

“I told him I wanted to play basketball one time, and he said that when I was older, he would teach me how to play basketball with his own skills,” Cortina said. “Unfortunately, that day never came.

That same year he went through a car accident.”

These GEAR UP students are sending their personal essays to their dream colleges thanks to Region One GEAR UP, the Texas Graduate Center and Janine Robinson, creator of the college essay writing program.

The writing workshop was created by the Texas Graduate Center in partnership with Janine Robinson, published author of several self-help books on essay writing for high school students. The TGC identified the need to assist high school students struggling to apply to colleges that require a personal essay. The students met several times throughout the school year at Region One ESC as they produced and refined several drafts, guided by Robinson.

“Our goal is to have this refined essay that they can use for admissions, for scholarships, and they really share who they are,” said Norma McCormick, Region One ESC education specialist. “We know that’s important, so we’re happy that at this point in time, they are going to be able to upload their essays, do their online portfolio and they are going to have that ready to continue on their pathway.

That’s going to be great because they’re juniors, and so their senior year, they will have everything ready that they need.”

summer 2016

Student University Tours

Historical Duck tour of downtown Boston

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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igh School students representing Rio Grande Valley school districts prepared to fly to Boston, St. Louis and New York City for the Texas Graduate Center’s (TGC) second year of their Student University Tour program. Three separate groups of students visited the following universities: Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, Washington University - St. Louis, Princeton University, Yale University and Columbia University.

The purpose of the tours were to provide area students an opportunity to explore universities they may have otherwise overlooked when considering options for their postsecondary education. The program

Sayles Hall - Brown University Brown University

Admissions Information Session - Harvard University aims to expose students to campus life and admissions policies at Ivy League universities to help demystify these top institutions. Many students felt that the university tours allowed them to better understand what a top-tier university looks for in its applicants.

“Before this first hand experience, I was very short minded and believed that only those who could afford it could attend these schools,” said Yvianna Lugo. “Yet I was utterly and completely taken back when I realized that it wasn’t just about the money.”

The tour was organized in partnership with GoCampusing, a premier college tour company with years of experience in conducting college tours all across the nation. In addition to visiting the universities, students engaged in cultural excursions near the university’s respective areas. In Boston, participating students visited the USS Constitution

La Joya ISD Students stand outside the Harvard College Admissions Visitors Center.

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museum. In New York, students explored New York City via double decker bus tour and a ferry ride around Manhattan Island.

The WASH U tour offered students the best experience to live the life of a college student. In this particular tour, students stayed in the dorms and ate at the university’s dining hall. In addition, the students also participated in WASH U’s Young Scientist Program(YSP), which is designed to attract high school students to scientific careers. Participants of YSP engage in activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active medical researchers.

Students who participated in YSP felt especially touched to be a part of such an experience. “Today’s experience was like no other I’ve ever had before,” said Emilio Alvarado, student at Weslaco ISD. “I was able to hold a human brain, lungs, and hearts and learning from individuals that are pursuing a Ph.d.” These learning sessions were led by medical student-researchers who are enrolled in WASH U, pursuing a Ph.d. in their fields such as neurology, genetics, anatomy and physiology.

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Columbia University at New York

At a lunch break during their tour of the univeristy campus, students were treated to a question and answer session with the university’s Annika Rodriguez Scholars. These scholars are WASH U minority students of exceptional merit who demonstrate academic and leadership achievements, along with the passion for community service exemplified by Annika Rodriguez.

Each tour included an informational session led by the respective university’s admissions officers. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the participating students were given a special tour led by currently enrolled student Jose Gomez, an alumni from McAllen ISD. This left a great impression on Rojas, “I thought, what an awesome inspirational moment! She [the student] felt inspired enough to try and inspire one of her classmates. And I think that’s exactly what this program is all about, not just for the students who attend these trips but bringing that culture back to the school,” continued Rojas, “one student can be the catalyst for promoting this type of education and promoting that culture.”

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Sterling Memorial Library - Princeton University

Admissions information session - Yale University Yale University

Rio Grande Valley Students who participated in the Boston-area University Tour.

Double decker bus tour - New York City

Lyford CISD students at Time Square, NYC

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Washington University - St. Louis

WASH U Freshman Dormatories

WASH U Young Scientists Program - Anatomy Day

WASH U Young Scientists Program - Anatomy Day

“This trip was a tool that helped open my eyes to new possibilities.

It showed me how different universities function and gave me the opportunity to ask the questions I was seeking answers to.�

- Mariela Gonzalez, La Joya ISD WASH U Young Scientists Program - Genetics Day

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Lunch with Rodriguez Scholars

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WASH U Young Scientists Program - Anatomy Day

Brookings Hall - WASH U

“I loved every second of this trip and have been honored to be chosen for this once in a lifetime opportunity. It has really changed my mindset on going to an Ivy league school and my work ethic.”

- Jose Zamora, McAllen ISD

Admissions Information Session - Edison Theatre, Washington University - St.Louis

summer 2016

Texas Graduate Center in partnership with

Washington University - St. Louis

COHORT II

Now Class Forming of 2019 • 2 Year Master’s Program in partnership with Washington University - St. Louis • Master of Biology for Teaching Degree • Cohort Learning Model • Online/ Blended Program • Summer Residency at Washington University - St. Louis • Classes Begin Summer 2017 For more information please contact: Adriana Lopez alopez@tvcof.org WWW.TXGRADCENTER.ORG 24 | Texas Graduate Center

TGC is a public-private initiative of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation

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MATHTEACH Collaborative

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students

Dr. Jon R. Star

Professor of education, harvard graduate school of education

Jon Star is an educational psychologist who studies children’s learning of mathematics in middle and high school, particularly algebra. Star’s current research explores the development of flexibility in mathematical problem solving, with flexibility defined as knowledge of multiple strategies for solving mathematics problems and the ability to adaptively choose among known strategies on a particular problem. Star also investigates instructional and curricular interventions that may promote the development of mathematical understanding.

November 11, 2016

Region one – ESC Fort McIntosh Room 8:30AM – 4:00PM

Workshop#

57584

SAVE THE DATE!

JANUARY 11, 2017

Workshop# 58020

Oliver Knill, PhD Preceptor in Mathematics, Harvard University

Oliver Knill earned his BA and PhD in mathematics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Switzerland. Since 2000, he has been a preceptor in the mathematics department at Harvard University. Prior to coming to Harvard, Knill taught for three years at Caltech in Pasadena, for one year at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and spent three years in Austin on a research fellowship at the University of Texas. Knill started his research in the field of dynamical systems and spectral theory, but more recently has shifted to applications of probability theory, analysis, geometry, and graph theory. In mathematics education, Knill’s focus is on the use of technology for teaching and learning. Recent projects in that area included cross-platform JavaScript animations, the use of computer algebra systems for visualization, inverse problems in computer vision for panorama photography, and the use of computer algebra systems for 3-D printing in education.

Texas Graduate Center is a public-private initiative of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation. For more information, contact: Adrianna Lopez, alopez@tvcof.org | 956.903.4231

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Girls Engaged in Mathematics

or a third consecutive summer, the Texas Graduate Center, in partnership with La Joya ISD held an all-girls math camp, GEM, to encourage girls in the area of STEM. Girls Engaged in Mathematics camp focuses on improving girls’ ability and confidence in math. Dr. Alda Benavides, La Joya ISD superintendent, initiated the creation of GEM Camp when she expressed an interest in preparing the district’s young girls to have greater confidence and skill in mathematics. With the support from Texas Valley Communities Foundation, a local non-profit organization with a mission to further education in South Texas, her vision was realized. This year’s camp focused on rising 3rd and 4th grade girls.

This year’s camp saw the return of all three teachers from last summer’s camp. Irene Vega, La Joya ISD, Denise Rivas, Mercedes ISD and Maribel Berrones, South Texas ISD were joined by college and La Joya ISD high school mentors.

The week-long camp focused on math content as well as building confidence in math and reducing math anxiety. Each morning, the girls participated in a Career Connection in which the girls were exposed to leading professionals in various STEM Careers such as architecture and robotics.

The idea was to expose girls to careers in STEM and show them how math ties into each career. “I love how the direction taken was one of architecture, robotics, medicine and forensic science instead of baking or fashion design,” said Vega “The idea that resonated with the young ladies was, anything is possible. It’s not just for boys!” Vega believes camps like GEM are essential for young ladies because it instills in them a sense of confidence and self worth, “Often times they fear math because they have struggled with it for so long. This camp proves to them that not only is math fun, but it is relevant in our everyday life. What we can do with math is amazing, but it’s imperative that we, as

“The first thing I learned was about our goals. My goal is to learn multiplication by the end of the summer.” - Ana Paola Leos 26 | Texas Graduate Center

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“Often times they fear math because they have struggled with it for so long.

This camp proves to them that not only is math fun, but it is relevant in our everyday life” - Irene Vega, La Joya ISD educators and role models get this message across.”

The 5-day camp culminated with a Pi Party to celebrate the girls’ progress and accomplishments. The Pi Party, a reference to the mathematical term “pi,” included refreshments and colorful boas for each guest. Accomplished female guest speakers addressed the audience and encouraged the girls to work hard and pursue careers in the area of STEM. This year’s speakers included Yara Corbitt, president of Cortran Engineering. Mrs. Corbitt has diversified experience in the areas of design, construction, project management, and land development.

For more information contact Executive Director, Dr. Mary Alice Reyes mareyes@tvcof.org

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The Texas Graduate Center is a public-private initiative of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation.

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